No Newcastle assurances from Ashworth as Man United speculation intensifies

Eddie Howe is confident Newcastle will protect themselves to prevent sporting director Dan Ashworth from taking inside knowledge with him to Manchester United.

It is understood that United want the former Football Association technical director to oversee a new era at Old Trafford in the wake of Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as co-owner.

Ashworth was recruited by Newcastle's new owners from Brighton to perform a similar role 20 months ago, and his loss would represent a significant blow to their project on Tyneside and to their hopes of competing with a direct rival for the trophies and Champions League football they crave.

Asked if the detailed intelligence the 52-year-old possesses about his current employers and their blueprint was a concern, head coach Howe replied: "I think your concerns are relevant. I don't know quite how much I can say on that, but I share your feelings."

He added: "It goes without saying that we're very protective of what's ours, whether that's players or staff. If people do eventually move on to other clubs, there's a process to go through before that is reality."

Howe insisted there had, as of Friday morning, been no formal contact between the clubs, but was candid when asked if Ashworth had told him he wanted to remain at St James' Park amid the whirl of speculation in recent days.

He said simply: "No."

United's interest in Ashworth, who is credited with establishing England's DNA during his time with the FA, is long-standing and the Magpies have been aware of the situation for some time.

They themselves prised him free from Brighton - he resigned from his role at the AMEX Stadium in February 2022, but did not take up his new post until June of the same year after lengthy negotiations which eventually